Risk Factors

Transcript

Lt Col Reynolds
Although it’s nearly impossible to predict in advance who will suffer from hypertension, we do know of several factors that may contribute to high blood pressure.

Those factors include obesity, eating too much salt, and over-indulging in alcohol on a regular basis. Also at risk are people who smoke or don’t get enough exercise. These factors are considered controllable risk factors because a person can make lifestyle decisions to greatly reduce their effects.

Maj West
There are also uncontrollable risk factors. These include race, family history, age, and gender. For example, African Americans develop high blood pressure more often than others, and it tends to be more severe and occur at an earlier age. Genetics may also play a part in your risk of hypertension. If your parents or other close blood relatives have high blood pressure, you’re more likely to develop it.

Age is another risk factor. In general, the older you are, the greater your chance of developing high blood pressure. Gender can also be a factor. Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure at an earlier age, while women are more likely to develop hypertension after they experience menopause.